Have you ever been driving around running errands, minding your own business, and wanted to stop by your favorite donut shop, when suddenly you come across a big orange construction sign saying, ROAD CLOSED, and you feel like your whole day is ruined. Then, to make matters worse, you find out the reason the road is closed is because there are hundreds (or thousands) of people participating in a Walk/Run event that benefits a super amazing charity, so you drive home and feel doubly bad 1) because you didn’t participate in such a great event and 2) because even though it’s clearly an important event that will benefit many, you’re still pretty upset your route was blocked and you didn’t get a donut.
I’ll admit it, I have.
HOWEVER, I’ve also been amongst the crowds, running and/or walking for a great charity that I care about, and I can honestly say it is way more satisfying than any donut. (Which is saying something, because, you know, #donutsarelife)
With the arrival of summer right around the corner, we’re in for a season of beautiful mornings, perfect for both donuts and charity walks—and if you are living life to fullest: both—and since one of the hardest parts about signing up for a walk/run is knowing which ones are available to sign up for, I figured I’d do the work for you.
WARNING: this does take away the “I had no idea this was happening!” excuse you might have planned to use to not sign up. Sorry about that.
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Relay for Life
Who you’re walking for: American Cancer Society
Distance: varies
Find more information here
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Light the Night
Who you’re walking for: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Distance: About 3 miles
Find more information here
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Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Who you’re walking for: Alzheimer’s Association
Distance: 2-3 miles
Find more information here
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AIDs Walk
Who you’re walking for: multiple AID’s related charities
Distance: 6.2 miles (a 10k course)
Find more information here
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Strut Your Mutt
Who you’re walking for: Best Friends Animal Society
Distance: varies
Find more information here
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March of Dimes
Who you’re walking for: March of Dimes Foundation
Distance: About 3 miles
Find more information here
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Walk for Wishes
Who you’re walking for: The Make A Wish Foundation
Distance: 3.1 miles (5k course)
Find more information here
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Walk MS
Who you’re walking for: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Distance: 1-3 miles
Find more information here
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Buddy Walk
Who you’re walking for: National Down Syndrome Society
Distance: varies based on location
Find more information here
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Breast Cancer 3-day
Who you’re walking for: Susan G Komen for the Cure
Distance: 60 miles over 3 days
Find more information here
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I’d recommend any and all of these and any others you can find. There’s truly no greater feeling than helping someone, and being a part of events like these where you can see and feel the direct impact of the difference you are making is unbelievable.
So I challenge you this summer to get out there and be a part of something bigger. Walk, run, sit down and cry, I’ve done all three at a variety of different races and I’m a better person because of it.
Also, be sure to check out this website to find more charity walks near you, and if you know of any other upcoming runs/walks that benefit great charities, please share them below!
Kimberlee K. 
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